Notable Dining Destinations in The West Loop
Chicago’s West Loop is a vibrant culinary hub, offering a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to various tastes and budgets. From innovative fine dining to beloved local gems, here are some standout restaurants in the West Loop that you might want to explore:
🍽️ Notable
Dining Destinations in the West Loop
📍 Address:
932 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: rosemarychicago.com
Rose Mary, the brainchild of Top
Chef winner Joe Flamm, brings together the hearty soul of Italian
cooking with the bold, coastal flavors of the Adriatic region, particularly
inspired by Flamm’s heritage and travels through Croatia. The name itself is a
nod to his grandmothers—Rose and Mary—and the rosemary herb, common to both
cuisines.
The menu is rustic yet inventive,
showcasing Flamm’s ability to combine comfort and sophistication. Standout
dishes include the crni rizot (Croatian black risotto with squid ink and tender
seafood), veal sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), and a rotating selection of
handmade pasta dishes like the lamb ragu pappardelle. The grilled meats, like
the raznjici skewers, are flavorful, charred, and perfectly
seasoned, while sides like blistered peppers and wood-fired cabbage add texture
and depth.
The interior is stylish yet
approachable, featuring warm woods, open kitchen views, and a buzzing bar
scene. With an energetic, urban vibe, Rose Mary strikes a rare balance—it’s
refined enough for a special date night but relaxed enough for a casual evening
out with friends.
Service is polished but friendly, and
the curated wine list and craft cocktail menu complement the Mediterranean
influence. Reservations are highly recommended, as this West Loop hotspot fills
up fast—especially on weekends.
📍 Address:
1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: monteverdechicago.com
Monteverde is a beloved anchor in
Chicago’s West Loop dining scene, known for its handmade pasta, warm ambiance,
and the culinary vision of acclaimed chef Sarah Grueneberg—a Top Chef alum
and James Beard Award winner. The name "Pastificio" refers to a
traditional Italian pasta factory, and true to form, guests can watch fresh pasta
being made behind a glass window near the bar—turning every meal into a part
dining, part immersive experience.
The menu reflects Grueneberg’s respect
for Italian tradition while embracing global flavors and modern twists.
Signature dishes include the Cacio Whey Pepe, a genius spin on the Roman
classic made with whey from ricotta, and the Ragu Alla Napoletana, a meaty,
slow-cooked Sunday-style red sauce dish served with toothsome fusilli. Another
favorite is the Porcini & Truffle Antolini, a rich, umami-packed dish
that’s both indulgent and perfectly balanced.
Beyond pasta, Monteverde offers
standout starters and mains such as prosciutto butter toast, roasted
artichokes, and wood-grilled proteins, all plated with finesse. The wine list
leans heavily Italian, curated to pair beautifully with the diverse menu. Craft
cocktails, amari, and housemade limoncello round out the beverage offerings.
The space is modern-rustic, with warm
lighting, polished wood, and a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. Service is
attentive without being stuffy, and the staff is well-versed in the menu’s
stories and ingredients. It’s a go-to spot for date nights, birthdays, or
impressing out-of-town guests with elevated Italian fare that feels both
familiar and exciting.
Reservations are highly
recommended—Monteverde is consistently one of the most booked restaurants in
Chicago.
📍 Address:
850 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: costeracocina.com
Costera Cocina Tulum brings a fresh,
coastal vibe to the heart of the West Loop, inspired by the sun-soaked beaches
and bold flavors of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The menu is focused on
seafood-forward dishes, with an emphasis on grilled fish, citrus, chilies, and
tropical ingredients.
Popular dishes include the
wood-grilled whole snapper, ahi tuna tostadas, and ceviches bursting with lime
and spice. Their tacos—especially the short rib birria and crispy fish—are
favorites, perfectly complemented by housemade salsas and tortillas.
The interior is stylish and breezy,
featuring earthy textures, greenery, and natural wood elements that channel the
relaxed elegance of Tulum’s beachfront restaurants. A lively cocktail program
highlights mezcal, tequila, and tropical fruits—ideal for sipping on their
patio or in the airy dining room.
Costera strikes a great balance
between trendy and approachable, making it a go-to for casual nights out or
weekend brunch with a twist.
📍 Address:
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: girlandthegoat.com
One of the West Loop’s most iconic
restaurants, Girl & the Goat is the flagship of chef Stephanie Izard, the
first woman to win Top Chef. Since opening in 2010, it's drawn
consistent crowds with its bold, global flavors and high-energy vibe.
The menu is centered around shareable
plates, with standout favorites like the wood oven-roasted pig face, goat
empanadas, and the addictive sauteed green beans with fish sauce vinaigrette.
It’s a place to try something unexpected—goat, for example—presented in
creative and surprisingly comforting ways.
The atmosphere is bustling and lively,
with an open kitchen, rustic-industrial decor, and a communal spirit. It’s a
great spot for adventurous diners, group dinners, or visitors looking to
experience one of Chicago’s most celebrated spots.
📍 Address:
615 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
🔗 Website: avecrestaurant.com
Avec has been a staple of the West
Loop for over two decades, known for its minimalist style and
Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Opened by the One Off Hospitality Group,
it remains a go-to for those craving thoughtful, flavor-packed dishes in a warm,
intimate space.
Highlights include the chorizo-stuffed
Medjool dates, the delicately spiced lamb shoulder, and seasonal vegetable
dishes that let fresh ingredients shine. The wine list, curated with a focus on
the Mediterranean region, is excellent and approachable.
Avec's sleek, wood-paneled space is
cozy and communal, with long shared tables that create a sense of dining as an
experience. Great for a casual date or a low-key evening of outstanding food
and wine.
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📍 Address:
161 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: bonciusa.com
Bonci brings a little slice of Rome to
Chicago with its unique pizza al taglio (by the cut). This isn’t your typical
slice shop—toppings range from classic to wildly creative, and slices are sold
by weight, so you can mix and match.
Expect options like mortadella and
pistachio, zucchini with ricotta, or spicy sausage with fennel, all on an airy,
chewy crust that’s crispy on the bottom. There are vegetarian options aplenty,
and new combinations rotate daily.
The West Loop location is small and
casual, ideal for a quick bite or a pizza crawl. It’s especially good if you
want to sample a few different flavors without committing to a whole pie.
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📍 Address:
112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: highfiveramen.com
High Five Ramen is a moody,
underground hideaway tucked beneath Green Street Meats, known for its intensely
flavorful, spicy tonkotsu-style ramen. It’s small—just a few seats—so expect a
wait, but it’s well worth it for ramen lovers.
The signature High Five Ramen packs a
punch with a rich pork broth, fresh noodles, nori, and a perfectly jammy egg.
Spice levels range from mild to “can’t feel your face,” with a house-made chili
oil that adds deep heat.
The vibe is dimly lit and
intimate—think Tokyo basement noodle bar—with loud music, sake shots, and a
lively energy. Great for solo diners or a unique, cozy night out.
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📍 Address:
925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: nonnaschicago.com
Nonna’s is the casual, fast-casual
counter spot next door to Formento’s, serving up classic Italian-American
comfort food. It’s especially popular for lunch or takeout, but there are a few
seats inside if you want to dine in.
The menu includes New York-style and
Sicilian pizza slices, hearty sandwiches (like meatball subs and eggplant
parm), and homemade cookies that sell out fast. Everything’s made fresh, with
bold flavors and generous portions.
It’s unfussy, satisfying, and hits the
spot whether you’re on the go or craving something nostalgic and
hearty.
🌟 New
and Noteworthy
📍 Address:
1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: maxwellstrading.com
A newer addition to the neighborhood,
Maxwells Trading offers a modern take on seasonal American cuisine in a chic,
welcoming space tucked a bit west of the main Randolph strip. It’s refined but
not overdone, with a focus on ingredient-driven dishes.
Menu highlights change often, but
expect thoughtful combinations like grilled swordfish with citrus, or roasted
duck with stone fruit. There’s also a curated cocktail menu and a cozy back
room that works well for date nights or intimate dinners.
Maxwells strikes a balance between
neighborhood charm and upscale dining, making it a solid pick for food lovers
looking for something fresh and slightly under the radar.
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📍 Address:
820 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: barlarue.com
Bar La Rue brings a stylish,
Paris-meets-Chicago vibe with its mix of French-American cuisine. It’s a great pick for a casual dinner, brunch, or drinks on their
charming pergola-covered patio.
Dishes range from steak frites and
mussels to French-influenced takes on American classics like burgers and
rotisserie chicken. The drinks menu is strong, with French wines, spritzes, and
a few bold house cocktails.
With its breezy aesthetic, greenery,
and indoor/outdoor flow, Bar La Rue is both trendy and comfortable—ideal for a
laid-back night that still feels special.
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📍 Address:
820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
🔗 Website: momotarochicago.com
The Izakaya, located in the lower
level of Momotaro, is a sleek and shadowy lounge inspired by Tokyo’s Yokocho
alley bars. The vibe is intimate and edgy, perfect for cocktails and shared
plates in a tucked-away setting.
The food menu features elevated
Japanese bar snacks like wagyu skewers, karaage fried chicken, and tuna sashimi
with wasabi soy, all built for sharing. The drinks program is excellent, with
Japanese whiskies, sake flights, and signature cocktails that complement the
food beautifully.
Whether for a late-night bite or a
pre-dinner drink, the Izakaya offers a distinct and memorable escape from the
buzz of Fulton Market.
Whether you're seeking an upscale
dining experience or a quick, satisfying bite, the West Loop's diverse culinary
scene has something to offer every palate. If you have specific preferences or
dietary requirements, feel free to ask for tailored recommendations!
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